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US burger brand Carl’s Jr. plans 200 new restaurants for Australia and opens up to individual franchisees

Sarah Stowe

Finally. Carl’s Jr. is opening up to brand new franchisees and plans to open up to 200 restaurants by 2031.

In the short term, 27 new outlets are expected to open within 12 months.

Since the brand launched here in 2017 it’s been operated under four separate franchise agreements, with each franchisee group building its own mini-empire of outlets.

Now the Victorian operator, CJ’s QSR, which already owns and operates 11 corporate sites in Victoria, and one in Wetherill Park, Sydney, has been assigned the rights as a master franchisee for Australia to roll out more franchised outlets.

CJ’s QSR is seeking new franchisees in all states and territories except SA/NT (which is operated under a separate exclusive agreement).

Andrew Firn, managing director of CJ’s QSR, told Inside Franchise Business the support office is up and running and it is full steam ahead”.

Andrew said “We are passionate about Carl’s Jr. and have been buoyed by the appetite that exists in the Australian market for our Chargrilled Burgers,” he said, predicting the rollout will escalate. 

“There is the opportunity to develop Tasmania, Western Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria a lot faster. There’s a lot of land to put a lot of restaurants. We will get to 200 fairly quickly,” he said.

Each new Carl's Jr. restaurant provides up to 100 new jobs | Inside Franchise Business
Each new Carl’s Jr. restaurant provides up to 100 new jobs | Inside Franchise Business

New sites are already in development according to the director of franchising, Greg Rako.

“This is an exciting time for our brand and we have some amazing franchisees already, but there are many opportunities to grow as we aggressively expand into new Australian cities and regions.

“The search is on for new franchisees to join our incredible team and we are actively seeking new franchisees with a head for business and a passion for exceptional food and customer service to get in on the ground floor,” he said.

Corporate restaurants will be developed alongside franchise expansion, and some regional outlets may be sub-franchised. The existing franchisees will continue to operate and add to their own portfolios, in alignment with CJ’s QSR.

The mega rollout will be good for the economy too, as each new restaurant provides up to new 100 jobs.

“As we establish Carl’s Jr. in new markets, across Australia, our franchise network will create local jobs and economic growth,” said Greg.